Housing fob electric switches



May 20, 1947. R, Papp Re. 22,882 HOUSING-FOR ELECTRIC SWITCHES OriginalFiled March 6, 1942 fij/Zay L@ fm #e www Reima! May zo, 1947 HOUSING FORELECTRIC SWITCHES Rudolf Popp, valparaiso, Ina., assignmu McGillManufacturing Company, Valparaiso, Ind., a corporation of Indiana fOriginal No. 2,368,679, dated February 6, 1945, 4Se

riaiNo. 433,657, March 6, 1942. Application for reissue March 14, 1945,Serial No. 582,614v

15 claims. (ci. zool-mi This invention relates to electrical switchesand in particular to an insulating housing therefor which is comprisedof an insulating member with an open side to receive and releasablyretain a complete preassembled switch or operating unit.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved electricalswitch.

Another object of this invention is to provide an insulating .housingfor a preassembled electrical switch which is comprised of but twoinsulating members retained in assembled position entirely by snapmeans.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a switch having apreassembled operating unit complete in itself, which by a simple handoper- 2 following description when taken in connectionI with theaccompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of one embodiment of thisinvention;

ation without tools can be inserted Within an in-A sulating casing` andreleasably retained therein y and then readily removed.

A further object of this invention is to provide an insulating housingfor an electrical switch which entirely eliminates the insulation and Astill further object of this invention is to provide an insulatinghousingl for an electrical switch which is rugged in construction,comprised of a minimum number of parts which are easily assembledwithout the use of any special jigs or the like, and adapted to have theparts thereof formed by simple machining operations, to in all provide ahousing which can be economically manufactured. and then subsequentlycan be simply and economically handled by an electrician.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of an insulatinghousing adapted for assembly with a switch unitv which is completelyoperative when used apart from the housing.

Another feature is the provision of a one-piece insulating case and -amulti-part preassembled operating unit which can be wired up andinserted in the case and then the unit and case can be releasablyassembled together merely by the manualv insertion of the unit in thecase. The complete ,tion coact with certain portions of the switch unitto retain the housing and switch unit against relative movement.

Further objects, features, and advantages oi `manufacturing diiilcultiesinherent with metal y Fig. 1a is top perspective view of the assembledswitch of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the invention shown in Fig. 1;l l

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a switch unit showing a portion of thehousing means in an assembling position; l Y

Fig. 4 is a view illustrated similarly to Fig. 3 showing parts thereofin changed position;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line H in Fig.1'; n

Fig. 6 shows a modif-led form of the invention with the member for snapconnecting the housing members in an' assembling position;

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along Y the line l--l inFig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen along the line 8-8 inFig. 6; and

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a snap member for releasably connectingthe housing portions of Fig. 6 in an assembly position.

Housings for` electrical switches are used so extensivelyl `at vthepresent time that improvements which result in even a small saving incost of manufacture mounts to substantial proportions when thev housingsare made in large quantities.

Furthermore, this is not the only element to conthis invention willbecome apparent from the sider in the overall cost on a switch, for thelabor cost on the installation of the switches with housings canlikewise be large, and savings resulting from greater ease ofinstallation lare extremely important. It is common practice to usemetal housings with bodies and covers of snap connect- `ed type forelectrical switches and particularly those having preassembled switchunits or operating units insertable therein and 1 removable therefrom.However, these metal housings have .not been entirely satisfactoryvbecause of the diff ficulties in completely eliminating any shorting ofthe switch therethrough, andthe consequent `necessity for providing`insulating lining means between the housing and the switch unit posi'tioned therein. 'Ihe cost of manufacturing the parts for these metalhousings is appreciablyincreased not only because of the cost of theinsulating lining material required but also by the use of separatemachines for forming the housing and the linings therefor. Also specialjigs are usually required in assembling the various parts of thehousing. In many instances the insulating lining has to be oi'l aspecial material sassi which not only has satisfactory insulatingqualities, but which also possesses sufllcient resilience to provide forits expanding against the side walls of the metal housing. Since some ofthese insulating materials are readily affected by atmosphericconditions a separate storage place for them must be provided. 'I'heoverhead cost of storage is further increased because of the pluralityof parts used in these housings. It is readily apparent that where ametal housing is peculiar to a particular type of switch, the cost ofstorage and inventory for a plurality of switch types will beappreciable. i

In. practicing the present invention there is provided an insulatinghousing member comprised of but two insulating members which are adaptedto be snap connected in assembled position by a metal connecting memberwhich can kbe originally handled by a single manual operation. Thehousing members and the connecting member are of a construction suchthat they may be readily formed bysimple molding and 'machiningoperations. As illustrated in the drawing the switch unit positioned inthe housing of this invention is of a preassembled type. In other wordsthe switch unit may be operatedl either within a housing, or entirelyapart from the housing so as to broaden its application to a pluralityof different operating conditions. It is to be understood. of course.that the housing can be modified. within the scope of this invention foruse with other type switch umts and can be considered as a singleinsulating casing with an open side or face into which is inserted acompletely preassembled switch unit. This is formed and insulated sothat one side serves as the cover for the open face of the casing and ofthe lever or pull-chain type. 'Ihe actuator I6 "extends beyond asupporting member or mounting element I1 having extensions IB insertedthrough, corresponding apertures in the side plates II and lla formounting the same in such plates.

such unit is snap connected into the casing by a yielding portionthereof which engages such casing. The switch unit is adapted to be re-Iceived entirely within the casing or housing member, which is oi' cupshape and provided with a slot therein to `accommodate mounting stem andactuating portion on the switch. Where a second housing member isemployed, this is assembled on the switch unit and functions as a coverfor the first housing member when the two members and switch unit areassembled together 'by a metal snap member which has a portion extendedacross the cover member. The snap member has one end for locating thesecond or cover member relative to the switch unit actuating portion,and another end of a construction such that it may be snap engaged withthe rst housing member. 'I'he metal snap member, as well as portions ofthe housing members are formed to coact with certain portions on theswitch unit to retain the switch unit and housing members againstrelative movement. The assembly operations for the housing members withthe preassembled switch unit can all be very quickly and easilyaccomplished by hand. In assembly the housing members completely enclosethe switch unit and because they are composed of molded insulatingmaterial shorting of the switch or the connections leading therefrom isentirely eliminated.

` Referring to thefdrawing, one form of the switch housing of thisinventionA is shown in Figs. 1, la, and 2 with a preassembled switchunit III including like spaced insulating side plates II and IIa, andswitch mechanism, indicated generalLv as I2, disposed between the sideplates and supported thereon. The terminal posts I3, two 0f which areshown for the switch mechanism The housing shown in Figs. l and 2includes a `substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member' I-Shaving a wall portion 2| and a continuous rim portion 22 projectinglaterally therefrom. The rim portion 22 is formed with a slot 23 forreceiving the supporting member I1 when the switch unit Ill ispositioned within the housing member I9. Located substantially oppositefrom the slot 23 and at the junction of the rim portion 22 with the wallportion 2I is an opening 24 in the housing member I9 for a purpose to belater noted.

The open side 2G oi' the housing member I 9 is closed by an insulatingcover or plate 21 in a manner now to be described. The housing member IBis composed of a suitable moldable insulating material. The member I9 ispreferably formed by a molding process, while the cover 21 may bestamped out of insulating tlber, or it may be molded if desired. Theinsulating cover 21 is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the sideplates II and IIa yand. is adapted to be positioned adjacent either oneof said side plates in the assembly of the housing depending upon whichside plate is positioned toward the open side of the member I9. For thepurposes of this description the invention will be described ,with thecover 21 being positioned against the side plate Il. The surface of thecover plate 21 placed against the side plate II is formed with inset orcavity portions 28 (Fig. 5) corresponding to the lugs Il and capable ofreceiving the same. 'I'he cavities 2B do not extend entirely through thecover 21, and in fact, each constitutes a pressed or'formed cavity, withthe top 28' thereof 'extending above the face surface of the cover by apressing or forming operation. Therefore the tops 28' provide insulatingcovers for the ends Il of the terminal posts I3. Apertures 29 extendingcompletely through the cover plate 21 receive the extensions I8 on thesupporting member I1 and are subsequently covered by a connecting strapmember III as will be explained. It is seen, therefore, that by virtueof the cooperating construction of the cavities and apertures in thecover 21 relative to the side plate Il, and the strap 30 the plate 21 islocated and retained in a superposed relation on the side plate II andin flush engagement therewith. Y y

Prior to the insertion of the switch unit I0 within the housing memberI9, the cover 21 is releasably retained in its superposed position onthe side plate II, *by `an assembly element comprising a connecting orsnap member 30 of substantially U shape having -an intermediate bodyportion and end portions 32 and 33. The end V33 includes a spacingportion 34 (Figs. l

inwardly with reference to the legs 36. The end portion 32 has abumped-out lug 38 between the ends thereof and a snap portion 38 nearthe free end 4I thereof.

With the cover 21 superposed on the side plate II in the manner abovedescribed. the legs 38 on the connecting member 30 are placed in astraddling position relative to the supporting member I1, with the endportion 32 of the connecting member tilted away from the cover 21. Withthe legs 36 in this straddling position the connecting member 30 ismoved upwardly, as viewed in Fig. 3, to its position indicated in Fig.4. The spacing portion 34 projects laterally of the body portion adistance substantially equal to the combined transverse dimensions ofthe being received ni the slot za. f As best shown in Fig. 1 the wallportion or bottom 2| of .the housing member |18 is formed with recessesor cavities 44 corresponding to the lugs I4 and extensions I8 projectingfrom the side plate IIa to locate Prior to the switch unit relative tothe wall 2 I. the positioning of the switch unit III within the housingmember I8 the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30 is located in aguiding groove `48 formed on the inner periphery of the rim portion 2liof the housing member and exside plate II and cover 21, with thislateral dimension also defining the spacing of the extensions 31 on thelegs 38 laterally away from the body portion. As the connecting memberis urged into an assembled position preparatory to snapping it on to theswitch unit the extensions 31 are moved into an engaged position portingvmember I1 by the legs 3B the end portion 32 of the connecting member 30is located in a transversely extending groove 43 formed in the peripheryof the cover 21 opposite the apertures 23 therein. On inward movement ofthe member 30 providing for the clamping together of the side plate IIwith the cover 21, the end portion 32 of the member 3|) travels in thegroove 43 until the lug 38 on the 'end portion 32 is at the groove 43and at the outer surface or side of the cover 21 (Fig. 3). Since theconnecting member'30 is substantially anchored at its end 33 by theengagement of the legs 36 about the cover 21 and side plate II, the endportion 32 is pivotally movable, by pressing to the left thereon asviewed in Fig. 3, to in turn'move the lug 38 from its position shown inFig. 3 to its position illustrated in Fig. 4. Since the lug 38 is spacedfrom the body portion a distance substantially equal to the lateraldimension of the spacing portion 34 and because of the flexibility ofthe end portion 32, the lug 38 is snapped into its position against theinner surface 42 of the side plate II. From a. consideration of Fig. 4,therefore, it is seen that the cover 21 is held in a su erposed positionagainst the side plate II by th `cooperating action of the ends 32 and33 of `the connecting member 30, with the side plate II and cover 21,while the cover 21 is likewise positioned by the lugs I4 and I8extending into the cavities 28 and apertures 2-8 respectively.

This insures the original accurate positioning of the cover 21 on theswitch and the retention A tended transversely thereof in alignment withthe opening 24. On insertion oi' the preassembled switch unit within thehousing member I8 the snap portion 38 is projected within the opening 24with the shoulder thereon in snap engagement with the shoulder portion41 at such opening (Fig. 2). The housing I9 and cover 21, therefore, aresnap engaged in assembly position and about the switch unit I 0 tocompletely enclose the same. Corresponding recessed or cut away portions48, 49 and 5l are provided in the cover 21, side plates II and IIa, andhousing member I8, respectively, to 1 permit the extension through thehousing of conductors for connecting the switch-mechanism to connectionsoutside of the housing. A mounting means such as the nut 52 may bethreadably engaged with the mounting element or stem I1 to support thehousing and switch assembly on a support such as a canopy or the like.As is to be noted from Fig. 2 the spacer portion 34 serves as a flatmetal backing against which a washer can be drawn, or this portion willengage a wall of the canopy or the like. v

It is to be noted that the terminal screws 53 in the terminal posts I3may be located on the terminal posts anywhere between the side plates IIand II a without in any manner interfering with the operation of theswitch unit I0 or its positioning in the housing. The side plates II andIla are similarly formed and adapted for assembly with either the wallportion 2| or the cover 21 so that either side of the switch unit IU maybe initially inserted within the housing mem-ber I9. Relative movementbetween the housing and switch unit is eliminated by the engagement ofthe side plates II and IIa with the end wall 2| and cover 21,respectively, the positioning of theend portion 32 of the connecingmember 30 within the guiding groove 48, and

the insertion of the mounting portion I1 within` cover 21 is ush withthe. top surface of the rim.l

The housing portions thus completely enclose the switch mechanism ,toentirely insulate the same. tively small, and with the cover 21 fittingentirely within the housing member I 9, the overall dimensions of thehousing and switch assembly are only slightly greater than the overalldimensions of the switch unit IIl alone. A compact and neat appearinghousing is thus provided for the switch unit. l

Referring to Figs. 6-9 there is shown a modified form of housing for theswitch unit I0, the housing being illustrated as including an insulatinghousing member I8' and an insulating cover 21 therefor. The housingmember I9' (Figs. 6 and 8) is of substantially cup-shape having an endwall portion 2| integrally formed with a continuous rim portion 22'. Therim 22' isjormed with a slot 23' (Fig. 7) for receiving Since thethickness of the housing is rela..

Adjacent each side of the slot 23'and extending transversely of the rimportion 22 are grooves 59 having catch portions indicated at V59 in thebottom' of each thereof. Arranged substantially opposite from the slot23 and in the rim portion 22' is a third transversely extending groove6I (Figs. 6 and 8) having a catch portion i2 provided therein. The cover21' for the housing l member I9' is of fiat form and adapted to bereceived within the confines of the rim portion 22.

In the assembly of the housing about the switch unit HI the switch unitI is inserted within the housing' member I9 with the mounting portion I1at the slot 23 in the rim portion 22'. With the switch unit III in thisposition, the cover 21 is placed against the side plate Il of the switchunit and within the confines of the rim portion 22', the outer surface56' of the cover 21 being flush with the end 51 of the rim portion 22.The cover 21' is retained in this assembly position with the housingmember I9' by means of a metal connecting or snap member 63 ofsubstantially U-shape having laterally extending end portions 64 and 66(Fig. 9). The end portion 66 is comprised o! a pair of spaced legs 61each of which has a snap portion 68 at the free end thereof. The endportion 64 is comprised of a single extension having a snap portion 69thereon.

In the assembly of the connecting member 63 with the housing each legv81 is located in a corresponding one of the grooves 58 to each side ofthe slot 23', while the end portion 64 is positioned at the groove 6|,this initial assembly position of the connecting member 63 being shownin Fig. '7. On pushing of the connecting member 63 downwardly, as viewedin Fig. '7, the snap portions 68v on the legs 61 are .moved into snapengagement with the catch portion 59 in a corresponding groove 58, whilethe snap portion 69 on the end portion 64 is moved into snap engagementwith the catch portion 62 in the groove 6|. By virtue of this snapengagement of the connecting member with the housing member I9, and theextension of the connecting member above the cover 21 the housing memberand cover are releasably connected together to completely enclose theswitch unit I0. Conductors for 'connecting the switch mechanism toconnections outside of the housing are `adapted to be inserted into thehousing through corresponding openings 1i, 12, and 49 formed in thehousing member I9', cover 21', and side plates Il and I la,respectively. n

From a consideration of the above description and drawing, therefore, itis seen that the invention provides a completely insulating housing fora switch unit which is retained in assembly position entirely by snapengaging means whereby to completely eliminate the use of securingscrews or the like. The parts comprising the housing are easily moldedor stamped by the use of simple molds or dies. There are no projectionson the casing, for instance, so that the parts of the molds may beconstructed to be separated from the casings in a straight line motionand the casings can be removed from the molds in a straight line motion.The snap member for releasably retaining the housing parts in assemblyis composed of sheet metal, and designed so as to be easily formed Iby astamping or pressing operation.

the switch unit with the housing, namely, the initial insertion oieither side of the switch" unit within the housing and the sidetolerances permitted for the location of, the terminal screws 'and theterminal'posts relative to the housing.

the same general housing construction may be used for a plurality oftypes of switch units. .'I'his exibility in the application of thehousing and the three part construction thereof reduces stor.. age spaceand hence storage costs to a minimum.

Further Savings in the overall cost o! the insulating housing ascompared to metal housings results from the fact that its assembly isvery simple and can be accomplished without the use of any special jigsor the like. By virtue of the housing being snap connected in assemblyposition it can be completely assembled with the switch unit right atthe storage bins. Assembly can be accomplished simply by holding thecasing in one hand and inserting the preassembled switch unit in thecasing with the other hand and pressing inwardly to snap connect theparts. Disassembly is just as simple and is accomplished by pressing inof the portion 39 or lifting of the portion 69. The molded constructionof the housing also provides appreciable savings over metal housingsbecause of the savings in the initial costs of material and the completeelimination of any insulating linings.

Although the invention has been described with specific reference `toseveral preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it isnot to beso limited since changes and modiiication in the parts and intheir general arrangement can be made therein which are within the fullintended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanism open at oneside and having a catch portion on the inside thereof, said switchmechanism being insertable into said housing and having an insulatingportion receivable within said open side to close the same when themechanism is in position in the housing. .andmeans carried on saidswitch mechanism for vsnapengaging said housing to releasably retain themechanism in the housing including a yieldable snap portion snapped intoretaining position with said catch portion on insertion of said switchmechanism into said housing, and accessibleon the outside of the housingfor movement to release the mechanism from the housing for separationtherefrom.

2. A housing for a, preassembled electrical switch mechanism, saidswitch mechanism having an extending portion, and said housing includinga substantially' cup-shaped insulating member having an annular cavitytherein with a side wall, said side wall having a. slot in one portionand a catch portion on an oppositely located portion thereof, with saidextending portion being receivable in said slot'I when the switchmechanism is positioned within said insulating member, an insulatingcover for said insulating member adapted to be positioned within saidcavity to close the same when the switch mechanism is in position in thehousing, means for snap-engaging said insulating member and cover inassembly position including a iiat metal member having one portionextending across said cover, a second portion for locating the snapmember relative to said catch portion, and a snap portion for snapengagement with said catch portion of the housing, with said metalmember being cfa width substantially equal to the transverse dimensionof said extending portion.

3. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch unit having anoperating portion projecting therefrom and at least two conductorsthereon for extending through the housing to connections outside saidhousing, said housing including a substantially cup-shaped insulatinghousing member with an open side and a side wall having a slot thereinfor receiving said operating porrtion when the switch unit is positionedwithin said housing member, said side wall having a catch portionthereon located substantially opposite said slot, an insulating coverfor said housing member adapted to be positioned at said open vsidewithin th'e contines of said side wall and against said switch unit,means for retaining said housing member and cover in assembled'positions end for straddling said extending portion to locate saidmetal member relativeA to said catch portion. and a snap portion at theother end thereof adapted for snap engagement with said catch portion,with said cover and housing member having corresponding openings thereinspaced from said metal member for receiving said conductors, with theopenings in said cover being inthe periphery thereof.

4. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housingincluding a walled insulating housing member open at one side and havinga substantially closed opposite side, with a wall of said housing havinga catch portion thereon, and means for closing the open side of saidhousing member including a locking portion and a cover portion forclosing said open side, said locking portionincluding an integralresilient extension projecting within said housing member with its outerfree end positioned adjacent said catchportion, a shoulder on said outerend, said outer end, when said open side is being closed, being movablein a direction substantially normal to said opposite side to releasablylock said shoulder with said catch portion, i

with movement of said outer end in a direction substantially parallel tosaid opposite side releasing said extension from said housing member,und said housing member being provided with an opening therein to permitmanual manipulation of said outer end.

5. A housing for enclosing a preassembled.

.iwitch mechanism, said housing including a walled insulating housingmember open at one side and having a substantially closed opposite side,with the wall of said housing member having a transverse groove thereinwith a catch portion adjacent one end thereof, and means for closing theopen part of said housing member including a locking portion and a coverportion receivable within said open side so as to be substantially flushwith th'e wall of said housing member at said open side when the switchmechanism is in position within said housing, said locking portionincluding an extension substantially normal to `said opposite side`having a shoulder adjacent the outer end thereof, said extension beingguidably movable in said groove, on locking of said cover and housingmember, to releasably lock said shoulder-with said catch portion, saidextension 6. An insulating housing for completely enclosing apreassembled switch mechanism, said housing including an insulatinghousing member open l at one side and having a catch portion thereon, aninsulating cover to close said one side when said switch mechanism is inposition in said housing-member, and means for supporting said cover onsaid 'switch mechanism including a locking is portion, with said lockingportion being insertable with said switch mechanism into said housingmember to engage said catch portion and releasably lock said cover andhousing member together, said locking portion being accessible from theoutside of said housing for movement relative to said housing to releasesaid switch mechanism for separation from the housing.

7. A housing for enclosing a preassembled switch mechanism, said housingincluding a walled insulating housing member open at one side and havingan aperture extending through the wall thereof, and means for closingthe open side.

of said housing member including a cover portion and a locking portion,said locking portion including an extension substantially at rightangles with .the cover portion having a shoulder adjacent the oute'r endthereof, said extension being insertable'within said housing uponpositioning of said cover portion at the open side, said shoulderengaging the edge of said aperture on the inside of said housing member,and being pushable inwardly of the housing member to release theextensionirom said housing member.

8. `An insulating housing for ya, preassembled electrical switch unithaving a side portion, said housing including an insulating housingmember having a wall por-tion and a rim portion extending laterally fromsaid wall portion, with one of said rim and wall portions having anopening extending therethrough, an insulating cover for said housingmember adapted to be superposed on said side portion, and in a housingclosing position when the switch unit is in position in the housingmember, and means for locking said housing member and coverinassemblyvrelation including a locking portion and means for holding saidcover and side portion together in said superposed relation, saidlocking portion on positioning of said switch unit Within said housingmember being movable within said housing member toward said opening intolocking engagement with the housing member at said opening4 and beingpushable inwardly of the housing Imember at said opening for releasefrom said housing member.

9; An insulating housing for an electrical switch unit, said housingincluding an insulating housing member having a wal] portion and a rimportion extending laterally from said wall portion having a pair ofoppositely disposed transversely extending grooves therein, with each ofsaid grooves having a. catch portion therein, an insulating cover forsaid housing member adapted to be received Within the contines of saidrim portion when said switch unit is in position in the housing, andmeans for locking said housing member and cover in assembly positionhaving an intermediate portion extending across said cover, and aplurality of extensions substantially '(5 normal to said intermediateportion correspond- 11 lng to said transverse grooves, with each of saidextensions having a locking portion adjacent the outer end thereof forlocking engagement with a corresponding catch portion when said lockingmeans is moved in a direction substantially normal to said wall portion,said outer ends of the extensions being within the conines oi.' saidwall portion. with movement of one of said extensions outwardly iromsaid housing member releasing said locking means from said housingmember. v

10. A housing for a preassembled electrical switch unit having anactuating portion projecting outwardly therefrom, said housing-including a substantially cup-shaped insulating housing member having arim portion with a slot therein for receiving said actuating portionwhen said switch unit is positioned within said housing member, said rimportion having a transverse groove therein to each side of said slot,and a third transverse groove located in the portion thereof oppositelsaid slot, with each of said three grooves having a catch portiontherein, an insulating cover for said housing member, and means forlocking said housing member and cover in assembly position including aflat substantially U-shaped metal member having a width substantiallyequal to the transverse dimension of said actuating portion, said metalmember having the intermediate portion thereof extended across/saidcover, and one end portion formed with a pair of spaced legs adapted tobe received in a corresponding groove to each side of said slot, withthe opposite end portion of said metal member being receivable in saidthird groove, with each of said legs and opposite end portion oiY saidmetal member having a shoulder portion thereon for releasably engaging acatch por tion in a corresponding groove, and said one end and oppositeend portions being substantially within the peripheral confines of saidhousing member.

11. A switch assembly housing comprising a cup-shaped housing memberadapted to receive the switch assembly therewithin and having a shoulderalong one wall thereof, a connecting member including an end portioninsertable within said yhousing member with said switch assembly andprovided with locking means emigageable with said shoulder to anchor oneend of said connecting member to said housing, said connecting memberincluding a second portion extending transversely across the open sideof said housing member to embrace said switch asv therethrough forpermitting manual disengagement of said locking means and said shoulder,said connecting member including a second portion extending transverselyacross the open side of said housing member to embrace said switchassembly and thus retain said switch assembly within said housingmember, and means anchor.- ing the opposite end oi' said connectingmember. 13. An insulating housing for a preassembled switch mechanismcomprising, in combination,

an insulating housing member open at one side to receive said switchmechanism therewithin and provided with a shoulder portion, and meansfor lochng said mechanism within said housing member including aconnecting member provided with an end portion insertable with saidswitch mechanism into said housing member to engage said shoulderportion, said end portion being accessible from the outside of saidhousing for movement relative to said housing to release said switchmechanism for, separation from said housing.

14. An insulating housing for completely en- .closing a preassembledswitch mechanism which is provided with a side plate at one sidethereof, said housing including an insulating housing member having anopen side for receiving said switch mechanism therewithin with said sideplate facing toward said open side, an insulating cover plate lying natagainst said side plate, a connecting member extending transverselyacross the outer surface oi' said cover plate, said connecting memberbeing provided at one end with at least one leg which embraces the edgesof said cover and side plate to maintain the same in assembledengagement, said assembly element being provided at its other end withan end portion which is insertable within said housing member with saidmechanism, and means including co.

acting parts oi' said end portion and said housing member for releasablylocking said other end of said element to said housing member.

15. lA housing for aA preassembled electrical switch unit having amounting element extending therefrom adapted for use in mounting aswitch included in such unit on a support or the like, said housing-comprising an insulating housing member having an open side fordetachably receiving said switch unit therewithin and being providedwith a side wall having an opening for receiving said mounting element,an assembly having one portion thereof disposed adjacent said mountingelement and having another portion adapted to extend over a substantialportion of REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record inthe le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,633,005 Despard June 21, 19271,759,435 Chryst i-- May 20, 1930 2,143,158 Lefkowitz Jan. 10, 19392,209,104 Popp et al. July. 23, 1940

